40 police officers from Nadi, Ba, Rakiraki and Tavua were today taken through step by step on laws relating to the Domestic Violence Decree as well as the Domestic Violence Restraining Order.
This was part of a weeklong workshop facilitated by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre in collaboration with the office of the Divisional Police Commander Western which ends tomorrow.
Today’s session was an interactive one as police officers sought clarification on issues regarding the Domestic Violence Decree and the implementation of the DVRO’s.
And for some, the discussions were fruitful indeed.
“This workshop is very knowledgeable and informative. I had very little knowledge about domestic violence but thanks to this workshop I’ve had the opportunity to properly understand the definition in depth,” said Sergeant Sunita Devi, a prosecuting officer from Ba.
She said it was important that trainings like this was held around the country so participants could get to better understand how to deal with victims of abuse when reports of such nature are received at police stations.
Sharing the same sentiments was Police Constable Amani Waqetia from the Rakiraki Police Station.
PC Waqetia said the workshop was an eye opener and a chance for police officers to clarify the many questions they had.
“My colleagues and I who are part of this workshop now realise which is the right and proper procedure to handle cases of criminal offences against women and children. It’s also enhanced my knowledge of what a police officer should do in eliminating violence against women and children,” he said.
The training which is supported by the Australian Government ends tomorrow afternoon at the Hexagon Hotel in Nadi where all participants will each be presented with a certificate.
More trainings are expected in other major centres around the country.
For more information please call Shamima Ali – 9992875
MEDIA RELEASE